The p53 protein is a crucial regulator that prevents cancer formation. It promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage.
Cell Cycle Arrest: This is when the cell's progression through the cycle of growth and division is halted, often due to DNA damage.
This is programmed cell death, a process where cells intentionally die off. It's like a self-destruct button for cells.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: These are genes that regulate cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.